Overview
An interview analysis or evaluation form can serve several purposes:
- It focuses the interviewer's evaluation on how well the candidate’s knowledge/experience, skills, and abilities match specific job-related criteria;
- It provides an objective means of selecting the best candidate for the position;
- It provides documentation to justify your hiring decision if a discrimination complaint is subsequently made by a candidate.
The interview analysis form you use to assess a candidate should include the criteria that are most useful to you in determining how well a candidate "matches" the position. The form does not need to be complicated, but it should cover important points and allow room for your own comments. Each interviewer should fill out one form for each candidate – preferably after each interview is completed – while impressions are fresh in your mind. You may also wish to use a blank sheet of paper to jot notes regarding the candidate’s responses to interview questions or to record other thoughts you may have.
The following are examples of some common criteria you may wish to consider when developing your own interview analysis/evaluation form. Please keep in mind that you should use only factors that relate to the requirements of your position.
Problem-solving Ability: Ability to learn, reason, and cope with complex problems
- Complexity of work assignments
- Ability to cope with in-depth questions in interview
Communication Skills: Effectiveness in expressing oneself clearly in speech and in writing.
- Vocabulary range
- Grammar
- Spelling
- Writing experience
- Speaking in public
Initiative on Job: Effort to expand job scope and suggest or try new approaches.
- Performance in unstructured situations
- Self-starting tendencies
- Competitiveness
- Level of aspirations; drive to achieve
- Desire for independence
Team Worker: Works cooperatively toward attainment of common objective; contributes to the team effort.
- Give-and-take relationships with others
- Willingness to accept authority
- Concern for others as well as for self
- Ability to work with people from different cultural and socio-economic levels
Character: Honesty in dealings with people on and off the job; high moral and ethical standards.
- Candor in describing self in interview
- Spontaneity and consistency of responses
- Willingness to discuss difficulties and shortcomings
- Concern for others
Leadership and Supervisory Skills: Effectiveness in directing the activities of others.
- Experience in leading others (school, job, volunteer, or community)
- Willingness to delegate
- Sensitivity to the interplay in group situations